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Overcoming Addictions

Proposed Table of Contents

Introduction To Addictive Disorders

Understanding Addiction in Laymen’s Terms

Dominating Dependencies

(Relationships, Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling, Internet)

Recovery Tools

Treatment Alternatives

Support Groups, Organizations & Programs

Healthy Living, Healthy Choices Tips

Overcoming Addiction Rewards & Resources

Introduction To Addictive Disorders

In this guide, the Addictive Disorders discussed refer to health matters

dealing with both physical and psychological intense desires or cravings for

substances or behaviors that grow into dependency. For example, not only

will alcohol and drug dependency be addressed, but addictions dealing with

issues like emotional, “things” or “people” attachments. The general concept

is that these cravings or yearnings are ongoing in spite of the fact that they

cause the addicted person, and at times others, harm at various levels;

social, psychological and physical. And on the whole, the addictive disorders

that are discussed are considered progressive or advancing in nature, and

chronic or lasting for a long period of time, with distinct periods of

recurrence.

There are some alarming facts to consider regarding addictive

disorders. For instance, a recent report in the National Drug Addiction

Recovery Month Kit showed the cost of alcohol and illicit drug use in the

workplace, including lost productivity, accidents and medical claims to be an

estimated $140 billion per year.

Another fact: every eight seconds, a person dies due to a

tobacco-related illness, according to the World Health Organization.

Also, an estimated 28 percent to 30 percent of people in the U.S.A.

alone have an addictive substance abuse disorder, a mental health disorder

or both, according to a 2002 report by the National Mental Health

Association.

And alcohol abuse and dependence occurs four times as much among

men over the age of 65 than women in the same age group, according to

the Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health, 1999.

With Addictive Disorders being such a large important part of everyday

life, this ebook strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an

overview of the issues surrounding the disorders. It includes information

about some of the top addictions in society today, along with a variety of

solutions available to help with treatment and coping, based upon the most

recent studies, research, reports, articles, findings, products and services

available, so that you can learn more about Overcoming Addictions.

For example, consider the following and decide if it is myth or truth:

addicts cannot be medically treated. This is a myth. Some substance addicts

can be medically treated via a detoxifying program, followed up by

treatment with new medicines like Bupropion (Zyban) and Naltrexone

(ReVia). These medicines help people who are refraining from addictive

substances to keep their desires for them in check.

Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical

practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under

the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. The content

within only presents an overview of Overcoming Addictions research for

educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a

professional physician.

Understanding Addiction in Laymen’s Terms

Many researchers believe that addiction is a behavior that can be

controlled to some extent and also a brain disease. And since some testing

with functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) found that all addictions

tend to cause nearly the same reactions inside the brain, there could be one

type of control model for addiction health-related issues. In other words, just

as there is one disorder or disease labeled asthma, there would be one for

addiction, covering all addictions; gambling, smoking, overeating, drugs,

etc. Then one main treatment strategy or plan could be used to treat all

addictions.

How addiction works in a nutshell is like this. The brain, the center of

the body’s nervous system, handles addiction by increasing dopamine levels

in response to increased reactions from behaviors, also referred to as

compulsions, like gambling or over eating, and / or in response to increased

repeated substance abuse, like from cocaine or alcohol. And this addiction

affects the three functioning processes of the nervous system; sensing,

perceiving and reacting. How? Let’s take a quick peak…

Dopamine, the chemical transmitter to the “pleasure center,” the place

where survival instincts like eating and reproduction focus in the brain,

activates cells individually or energizes them. Each energized cell in turn

energizes another cell, and so on down the line, resulting in a spontaneous

or systematic process of ecstasy or elation.

The problem is the brain doesn’t realize what it is that is causing the

ecstasy reaction. So when this flutter of activity increases the creation of

dopamine for the negative behaviors and substances like drugs, alcohol,

gambling, etc., it neglects the natural survival instinct reaction mechanisms,

replacing them with the ecstasy instead.

Note that also, depending upon the addiction, nervous system

functions are altered. So sensing, perceiving and reacting functions of

individuals are impeded. For example, alcohol is a depressant and slows

down all of these functions. So a drunk driver facing an immediate collision

will in all likelihood react slower than a healthy, alert driver. And whether or

not the addictive substances are inhaled, going into the lung system; or

injected, traveling via the blood system; or swallowed, entering the digestive

system, also affects different bodily reactions, responses and overall health.

One long-term effect is an increased tolerance level with dopamine

reaching out into other brain areas that cloud judgment and behavioral

considerations and choices. And ultimately depression results, even amidst

opposing or negative stimuli, like the negative effects of narcotics on

behaviors and on the body / mind and like trying to withdrawal or

discontinue use.

Note: other long-term effects can include changing of the brain’s

shape and possible permanent brain damage, depending upon the addiction

and length of compulsive activity. And other health problems like cancer

from cigarette smoking can result.

Addiction summed up is: compulsive behavior despite negative

consequences.

OTHER FACTORS IN ADDICTION

Of course no two people are 100 percent the same. So since internal

genetic and external environmental and behavioral factors and influences

vary, so can addiction issues with each person. In other words, a child born

of an alcoholic parent may have an altered or different brain chemistry or

make up than a child not born of an alcoholic. However, other factors need

to be taken into account with regards to whether or not and to what extent

the child is susceptible to addictive behaviors or substances. For instance,

genetics, mental state and the environmental setting of the child, especially

during early developmental years could all play key roles as to how the child

or growing adult will react when confronted with certain behaviors or

instances.

So take for example a soldier. Surviving temporarily on the only

remedy available in hostile territory, he becomes addicted to morphine while

outside his element or home environment. Later he returns to his home

environment. Will he stay addicted to the morphine? Will it be difficult to

stop using it?

The answers vary, depending upon the soldier’s predisposition or

susceptibility to addiction; his home environment, his mental state, his

genetics with family history, and other factors. In other words, if he came

from a background of living long-term with a family of addicts, socialized

with addicts in his neighborhood and school environments, and already

battled with smoking cigarettes, marijuana and other substances routinely,

this soldier may have a difficult time withdrawing from morphine. Whereas,

a soldier who had never seen addiction up close before, either in his family,

neighbors, school friends, etc., and who otherwise came back with a fairly

healthy mental state, may be able to stop using morphine with little or no

problems and get back to his “normal” routine.

Which leads to, “How can you tell if someone is addicted or not?

Dominating Dependencies:

(Relationship, Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling, Internet)

Addictions present some common and some unique characteristics and

behaviors across the board, depending upon the behaviors and / or

substances associated with the addiction. Let’s take a look at some common

symptoms or traits and a little about how to begin getting help for the more

common addictions or dominating dependencies today.

Odors associated with the substances like cigarette or marijuana

smoke are fairly noticeable traits. Here are some maybe not so obvious:

• Fatigue

• Uncontrolled cravings

• Wearing long sleeves (to cover needle marks) during hot weather

• Hanging out with known addicts

• Thoughts, actions – nearly everything- - focused on addiction

• Nasal congestion (sniffing, nose bleeds…), eye changes (redness,

glassy, wears sunglasses when not needed, etc…)

• Behavioral changes (moodiness, mood swings with hyperactive,

lethargy, violence, paranoia, secretive, confused thoughts and actions)

• Denial of use, addiction, etc.

• Memory loss, distorted time

• Stealing or excessive / unusual borrowing of funds

• Unkempt appearance, truant / absenteeism from work, school, home…

• Sudden changes in school work and grades, job performance, regular

behavior

• Withdrawal from normal activities, friends, family

• Withdrawal symptoms: nausea, sweating, chills, convulsions, anxiety,

nervousness, depression, headaches, hallucinations, diarrhea,

restlessness / sleep disturbances, shaking (uncontrolled), sensitivity.

Now for a look at how to begin getting help for the more dominating

dependencies today.

RELATIONSHIP ADDICTION

One major addiction facing many people because of the nature of its

definition is relationship addiction or co-dependency. It is a learned

dependent behavioral condition, generally with the existence of emotional,

physical and / or sexual abuse, that affects people with or related (not

necessarily “blood related” but environmentally or socially) to those having

alcohol or drug, gambling, sex, food, work or other dependencies, or the

mentally ill. This unhealthy condition is learned from the abusers’

relationships and affects a person’s ability to have a healthy relationship.

Co-dependent is associated with “dysfunctional family” members or those

feeling anger, shame, fear or pain mainly because of the addiction that is

“unspoken” or discussed. The person or persons addicted are in denial and

don’t admit their dependencies or problems surrounding them. And those in

relationships with them adapt this type behavior as well, keeping the “status

quo” at an even keel to avoid confrontational issues and rock the boat.

Co-dependent people repress their emotions and ignore their own

needs while being compulsive caretakers for the addicts. And as a result

they become “survivors.” To help keep addictions hidden, they distance

themselves from the addict as well as the problems associated with the

addiction, and certain behaviors develop over time.

Co-Dependent Behaviors / Traits

Inhibited Emotions – Detachment occurs. Don’t touch, don’t feel, don’t talk,

don’t trust, don’t confront. Keeping the addiction hidden becomes then

entire focus of the addict’s family and / or others in co-dependent

relationships, shifting all main focus of safety, health, and basically life to

the sick person or addict. With the focus off themselves, the co-dependent

people neglect their own safety, health…in short, lives.

Self – Esteem – Low self-esteem is common among co-dependent people. To

substitute something in the “real world” that would make them feel better,

since their fantasy of the hidden addiction becomes their real world, they

often become addicts themselves, diving into gambling, illicit sex, cigarette

or marijuana smoking, work (becoming workaholics), or drugs and alcohol

as well.

Martyr – These caretakers take on a martyr role while trying to “help” the

addict. But their exaggerated, compulsive behaviors that they think actually

“help” others, in reality negate their supposed “help.” For example; a

co-dependent person may think nothing of lying for his or her spouse or

adult (or teen) children to cover up for theft to fund a drug addiction. Since

this behavior does indeed “help” the addict – stay addicted, that is, the

co-dependent person feels “needed” and a cycle of dependency develops

around the addict – additive behavior / substance – caretaker – caretakers

compulsive actions / behaviors.

Victim - Co-dependent people feel caught up in the cycle of dependency and

feel helpless to break free. They see themselves as victims and are

magnetically drawn to others in similar circumstances in their relationships.

Confused – Because of the nature of the disorder, co-dependent people

often confuse love with pity and rescuing. They hold on to unhealthy

relationships at all costs to avoid feeling abandoned. They feel guilty when

trying to be in control, yet they feel driven to control people around them.

They desperately seek approval or to be recognized, in part because of their

identity loss while trying to hide the addict and addiction problems. And in

part because they don’t trust themselves or others with all of the lying going

on, and can’t identify reality very well or trust their own feelings. (Outward

shows of appreciation like rewards and approval help ground them).

Unhealthy emotions – Intimacy and personal boundaries become

problematic, as escaping reality unfortunately comes with the need to find

escape outlets. So dealing with intimate emotional issues like feeling loved

can mean reaching out to the wrong person. Anger and how to deal with it

also becomes a problem and can be misdirected – both internally, causing

health problems like ulcers, and externally, like in violent behaviors, because

the person doesn’t know hope to cope or where to turn for help. And

adjusting to change is burdensome, with lack of effective communication

skills and healthy decision-making tossed aside. So depression and

anxiety-related emotions surface and fester.

CO-DEPENDENCY HELP

The key to getting help for co-dependency is acknowledging the

problem. Then seek help. Check out library books on co-dependency and to

find helpful resources. Search the Yellow Pages (under recovery programs,

addiction recovery, etc.) and ask your healthcare provider or local hospitals

and healthcare centers for more information and places to start.

Also visit sites like the one for Co-Dependents Anonymous at

www.coda.org (in Spanish and English) for contacts in your state, Frequently

Asked Questions, meetings, list groups, helpful literature and other tools like

the 12-Steps used as a base or foundation in many recovery programs.

For more website, simply conduct a quick search of words or phrases

associated with co-dependency. They will yield many sites, chat rooms, list

groups, ezines and other helpful resources to aid in recovery. For example,

using your favorite search engine, type in words like; co-dependency,

co-dependent relationships, and codependent recovery.

Also target groups and other resources associated with the

addiction(s)directly. Each addiction pretty much has its own network of

healing and recovery resources. For instance, there is Gamblers Anonymous,

Alcoholics Anonymous, Nar-Anon (for narcotics), etc. Online, simply key in

the addiction and “anon” after it or “recovery” to get you started.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Some people, both professionals and non-professionals or lay people,

believe that there are three types of people who drink and use drugs;

Social Users, Substance Abusers and Addicts. They consider Social Users

those people who are supposedly trying to make something more out of

otherwise positive, upbeat social situation – be it an interview, sporting

event, date, family gathering or other activity where people are together.

The user may be uncomfortable and try drugs to feel more at ease, to fit in,

to feel less inhibited or any other number of mood-alterations, instead of

simply not going or facing reality and participating in healthier situations for

himself or herself. And supposedly, as a result of this social drug or alcohol

use, these Social Users do not report negative consequences like being out

of control or exhibiting any bad behaviors.

Substance abusers, on the other hand, who supposedly use alcohol or

drugs in light of negative experiences or episodes, as well as positive ones,

report some negative effects. In general, though, instances seem relatively

minor to them, like lampshades on heads or broken promises and

after-party complaints. Sometimes only one negative issue will surface

afterwards; sometimes a combination of issues will surface. Not much

concrete to go on is characterized with this middle stage.

Now for the heavier hitters, known as Abusers, a number of negative

consequences result, regardless of whether or not the alcohol or drugs are

taken for positive, negative, any and all reasons. From one to any

combination of the following negatives are often reported; negative

reoccurrence of the same bad behaviors (maybe broken lamps from tripping

instead of lampshades on heads), broken promises and broken limits set

beforehand, mental mania or diving into deep subjects (almost in a

psychological way), denial (of being drunk or high), crying jag or emotional

outbursts, memory loss or confusion, and many (repeated) complaints are

brought to light after the events by others.

Drugs and Alcohol Addiction Behaviors / Traits

Regardless of the type of alcohol or drug dependent person, addiction

or dependence is characterized by professional standards according to the

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (1994). To

sum up, the DSM-IV identifies an addict as having three or more of the

following “symptoms” within a year’s time period:

- Mental thoughts focused on the substance (alcohol or drugs) even

when not using.

- Withdrawal from society, friends, loved ones, normal activities – to

focus on continued substance use.

- Using more than expected

- Substance abuse even though negative consequences directly result

from the abuse (at any level: physical, emotional, social, work-related,

etc.)

- Attempts to stop or “control” use and withdrawal symptoms develop

(shakes, hallucinations, cravings, etc.)

- Tolerance levels can change; i.e. it takes more and more to get and

sustain a drunk or high state

Drugs and Alcohol Addiction Help

Similar to the key to getting help for co-dependency, the key to getting

help for drug and alcohol addiction is first in acknowledging the problem,

then in getting help. Check out library books on co-dependency and to find

helpful resources. Search the Yellow Pages, online search engines, 12-Step

Groups listed in community calendars, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics (or

the specific drug name like “Cocaine”) Anonymous, etc.

GAMBLING ADDICTION

Another top addiction is gambling. In fact, studies including research

by the National Gambling Impact Commission show that gambling

nationwide affects a minimum of 2.5 million people, over 1 percent of the

population. In targeted gambling areas like Las Vegas, over 5 percent of the

people are expected to end up having some sort of gambling problems. To

help put those figures into perspective, gambling problems occur twice as

often as cancer and twice as often as cocaine addiction. That’s a LOT of

impact.

And young people battle gambling addiction more than adults. Here are

the latest prevalence rates as reported by the National Coalition Against

Legalized Gambling, the following are the prevalence rates:

• 16-24 year old males 4%

• 11-18 year old males 4-7%

• National average, all ages 1.2%

How can you tell if someone is addicted to gambling? Similar to the

characteristics noted for other top addictions, the main ones to look out for

with gambling follow.

Signs of a Gambling Addiction

- Repeated attempts to stop gambling.

- Serious financial problems

- Has unrealistic view of what “life” and “the world” owes you

- Preoccupation with gambling, lying about it and denying addiction

Help for Gambling Addiction

Help is unfortunately often not sought until people hit “rock bottom” or

pretty much lose about all they own, owe nearly anyone and about everyone

they know (and many don’t). Once reality sets in and denial isn’t an issue

any longer (and even in some cases where it’s borderline) a nationwide

12-Step program is available, Gamblers Anonymous. Other help can come

from a combination of psychotherapist and / or counselor who helps focus on

internal emotional issues, group therapy to interact with fellow addicts in

recovery, and inpatient, residential or outpatient care, for short-term and

long-term recovery options. You can seek recommendations from your

healthcare providers or local hospitals.

INTERNET ADDICTION

Even the Internet can be addicting! Although Internet Addiction is not yet

an official disorder, obsessive Internet use is a real problem for some today.

Signs of “Internet Addiction”

Some signs of trouble are:

- Using the Internet more and more, while going out into the real world

less and less.

- Checking email too frequently during the day – every day.

- Going online every day, rarely taking a day off.

- Sneaking online to sites that you shouldn’t visit.

- Others say that you are indeed online too much.

- Sneaking online and checking email when you should be doing other

things like working. Arriving before work, staying after work, skipping

lunch, avoiding meetings, avoiding co-workers – to use the Internet.

But there are ways to overcome the trouble spots. Similar to other

addiction recovery, realizing there is a problem is the starting point. Facing

“why” the escape from the real world is necessary is next. Then decreasing

online activity and replacing it with healthier activities can help the person

get back to normal.

More Help for Internet Addicts

Ways to help deal with Internet over-use are to monitor and log use,

then set goals for daily activity in its place and follow up with more

monitoring and strategic planning. Being logging “when” you go online and

“why” and “where.” Then over time, cut back usage by replacing alternative

resources for your attention.

For example, instead of emailing people all day long, grab the phone

and call others. Instead of playing games on Yahoo all night, allow yourself

one hour and play solitaire or visit with a neighbor or friend and play a board

game like chess. And instead of reading ebooks and forum posts for hours

on end, grab some nonfiction self-improvement books, daily newspapers or

popular magazines and learn more about the industries in your work

environment or about nonprofits of interest and how you can join in their

causes. Take charge and keep your mind stimulated and yourself active in

the real world.

A counselor recommended by a healthcare provider may be about to help

with this process, too. In this type of addiction, getting online help is

probably not a good idea, since the goal is to spend LESS time online. So

seek help from those referred by your local healthcare providers for starters.

Monitoring online activity, what triggers jumping online each time, and

replacing it with more appropriate, healthier activity is the key to recovery.

Recovery Tools

Regardless of the addiction, be it drugs, alcohol, gambling,

relationships, etc., a 12-step program is the fundamental tool of many

recovery programs. The basic 12 steps that groups’ members actively stress

are as follows, varying in some degree per addiction recovery program. Note

that no particular religion or spiritual affiliation is required. All are welcome

and invited.

12-Step Program

1. We admit we are powerless over our addiction - that our lives have

become unmanageable

2. We believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity

3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God

as we understood God

4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves

5. We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact

nature of our wrongs

6. We are entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character

7. We humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings

8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make

amends to them all

9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when

to do so would injure them or others

10. We continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong

promptly admit it

11. We seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious

contact with God as we understand God, praying only for knowledge of God's

will for us and the power to carry that out

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we try to

carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all

our affairs.

Basically members recite the steps at their meetings. And there may

be a presentation or group discussion based upon one particular step that

day, with the rest of the event focused on individual needs or issues that are

brought up by members, so that each member gets to address his or her top

or immediate concerns, seek help and help others to get through, “One day

at a time.”

OTHER RECOVERY TOOLS

Here are more tools to aid with healing from addictions, listed in no

particular order.

Internal Motivators– Many decide to kick their addictions based upon interior

motives like love, a sense of achievement, competition, responsibility and a

number of other reasons. A love for a child can make some stop the denial

process dead in its tracks, allowing recovery to step in. Watching a close

friend or relative who is farther along the addictive path of destruction can

also be an eye-opener, resulting in some addicts adopting the “I can do it”

attitude to kick the habit. Some simply want their own self-respect back and

respect from others. While other addicts prefer better health and a sharper

mental state, and decide to overcome their addictions and recover.

Regardless of the reasons, internal motivators can be welcome

stepping-stones in the path of recovery.

External Motivators - Other motivators along the way are external, like

money, work, housing, etc. For example, an addict is generally well aware of

the money needed for the continued purchasing of the addictive substances.

Someone not used to living in less desirable conditions because income is

lacking, may not need much of a jolt of reality other than the first eviction

notice, to spur him or her to quit spending hard-earned money on drugs,

gambling, porn or cigarettes, etc. And some who may really value their jobs

and are striving to maintain good work standards and ethics, may see reality

when they are passed over for a promotion or annual raise because of

tardiness, sloppiness, mishandling of money, etc., and may seek help to get

their work act together promptly.

To help with internal and motivators, addicts and their support people

can turn to recovery tools like books, videos, movies, healing music,

speakers and events focused on addiction and recovery. A good place to

begin is at your own local library or favorite bookstore. Online you can

search Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble (BN.com) or even your favorite

search engine. Type in terms like “addiction recovery” and / or add the

addictive substance or behavior (“gambling recovery” “overcoming cigarette

addiction”).

Recovery Books

Some popular recovery books are:

Addiction & Recovery for Dummies, by Brian F. Shaw, Paul Ritvo, Jane

Irvine, M. David Lewis; For Dummies; (December 13, 2004).

7 Tools to Beat Addiction, by Stanton PHD Peele; Three Rivers Press; (July

27, 2004).

The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and

Compulsive Behavior, by Craig Nakken; Hazelden Publishing & Educational

Services; 2nd edition (September 1, 1996).

The Addiction Workbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Quitting Alcohol and

Drugs (New Harbinger Workbooks), by Patrick Fanning, John T. O'Neill, John

O'Neill; New Harbinger Publications; (June 1, 1996).

Bridges to Recovery : Addiction, Family Therapy, and Multicultural

Treatment, by Jo-ann Krestan; Free Press; (March 15, 2000).

For online chat rooms and message boards where recovering addicts

seek fellowship, simply type “recovery message board” or “recovery chat

room” in your favorite search engine. Include specific addictions like

gambling and cocaine for more focused groups.

Intervention

Another popular recovery tool is called an intervention. An intervention

generally refers to a planned gathering of people who know the addict and

want to offer support and intervene to stop the addiction. Friends, family,

co-workers, church members or in short close contacts meet and gently

confront the person with the addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex or

other behavior or substance addiction.

It is believed that by close contacts sharing their personal feelings and

thoughts for the addict’s well being, the addict will feel safer and confront

denial issues, opening up a pathway for recovery and healing. By actually

being with so many caring people, the addict may also become motivated to

seek help and change, and realize that he or she hasn’t faked everyone out

with lies about the addiction. Many want to seek help so that they are not

alone in their struggle any longer, preferring recovery and health instead.

The intervention team becomes part of their support network. Each

member shares his or her own experiences with the addict and the problems

arising from the addiction. And in turn, each shares their love, support and

encouragement for recovery as well as any healing resources or tools they

may have. For example, maybe one member who faced similar addiction

issues found help from a local 12-step program and therapist, and brought

the meeting information (location and times) plus the therapist’s phone

number alone to share.

Trained people are also available to help groups with interventions.

Some go through a 3-stage intervention program.

Stage I - This focuses on telephone coaching over the phone. A trained

professional helps you build a foundation with hope and figure out whom to

ask to join in an intervention plan. They also help strategize – gather the

intervention team together, educate about goals and overall plan, and help

with getting the addict to the intervention meeting the first time.

Stage II – This stage generally begins if no treatment has yet kicked into

place after Stage I. Generally, the main person in charge of gathering the

intervention team together meets with the professionally trained counselor

get together for strategy planning about a half-dozen times. Note that the

addict is not present at these. Goals are to educate, support and develop a

plan of action that includes healing treatment with the one seeking help for

the addict first.

Stage III – At this point, other intervention team members are brought in

and counseled. And the addict is invited to the meetings where intervention

members share their new boundaries and coping skills with the addict (if he

or she comes along). The intervention members’ love and support are

demonstrated more than once, and by now the addict has had multiple

opportunities to enter recovery and treatment but has not yet taken the

plunge to seek help.

Results with this 3-stage program are long-term help for not only the

addict, but the support people as well. The addict is generally removed or

placed outside the dysfunctional family environment. And both family and

addict learn healthier behaviors, communication and coping skills. For more

information about interventions, contact:

Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery

Outpatient Center 5409 N. Knoxville Ave.

Peoria, IL 61614 1-800-522-3784

Check with your libraries and bookstores for helpful intervention books. Here

are a couple of popular ones:

- Crisis Intervention Strategies (with InfoTrac) (Counseling Series)

by Richard K. James, Burl E. Gilliland Richard K. James, Burl E. Gilliland;

Wadsworth Publishing; 4 edition (August 10, 2000).

- A Guide to Crisis Intervention, by Kristi Kanel; Wadsworth Publishing; 2

edition (February 21, 2002).

And check out what resources National Intervention Referral has available

in your area by contacting them at (800) 399- 3612 (24 hours / 7 days), or

by visiting them at and filling out their online form

www.nationalinterventionreferral.org .

Treatment Alternatives

For treatment alternatives in your area, some places to contact include

counselors (educational, school, professional / medical like psychologists),

doctors and hospitals. They may offer treatment solutions that include

self-help, smoking patches, online treatment and housing alternatives. Some

other options follow:

Treatment Centers (mental health, crisis centers, substance abuse

programs) – For help locating treatment facilities in an area near you,

contact:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 200 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20201

Telephone: 202-619-0257

Toll Free: 1-877-696-6775

National Toll-Free Help Lines – For organizations that offer mental health

information, referrals some crisis counseling, dial these toll-free numbers

(from within the United States:

- National Treatment Referral Hotline

800- 375- 4577 www.nationalhotline.org

- National Mental Health Association

800-969-NMHA (6642)

- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-TALK (8255)

- Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation

800-639-7462

- SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment 800-662-HELP (4357), 800-487-4889 (TDD)

- SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Info

800-729-6686

Detoxification – Immediately halting an addict’s alcohol or drugs, can result

in not only emotional but physical withdrawal, as the body has become

dependent. So medical detoxification, or “de-tox” for short, is sometimes a

treatment option. De-tox is the process by which an addict is actively

withdrawn with the help of his physician while the negative substances are

gradually removed from his body’s system, in a step-by-step process.

Depending upon the addiction, some medications have been found to help

with controlling mild to extreme withdrawal symptoms like seizures, delirium

and shaking, with inpatient care. For example, with alcohol addiction,

benzodiazepines, carbamazepine and clonidine are sometimes used. And

tranquilizers can be used for outpatient care. While with cocaine,

Antidepressant drugs may be used to help treat depression and anxiety

during withdrawal. De-tox combined with a recovery program can produce a

greater positive response in improving the patient’s healthcare.

Inpatient / Outpatient Services – Inpatient services like de-tox may be

available at hospitals and residential treatment centers, and are considered

to be quicker if careful monitoring of the patient is done so that no addition

addictive substances are used during the time of treatment. However,

outpatient services performed in private, addiction treatment or mental

health offices or centers, while less expensive and intrusive on day-to-day

lifestyles (especially with those continuing in their daily jobs), can be equally

effective if a careful support treatment strategy is in place and used by the

patient so that he or she does not return to using addictive substances while

on the outside.

Nutrition - Unfortunately, nutrition is often not a focus when a person is

addicted, regardless of whether the substance is alcohol, drugs, cigarettes,

etc. So in order to help get the brain back to a healthier state and improve

“thinking” and overall health, good nutrition is taught and supplements are

often encouraged. For starters, many suggest lowering or limiting dietary

intake of simple starches and sugars, upping the intake of protein. A good

multivitamin / multi-mineral supplement recommended by a family or

healthcare provider can be a helpful tool in a well-rounded recovery plan,

too.

Retreats / Rehabs - Today there is a wide variety of rehabilitation or rehab

centers to aid recovery and healing programs in targeted environments.

Choose from rehabs focused mainly for Teens, Christian-based Programs,

Executives, Gay & Lesbian Programs, Prescription Addiction, Residential

Treatment Programs, Intervention Partners, Coast-specific (East or West), or

12-Step Rehab, for starters. A good place to begin is with a call to the

National Treatment Referral Hotline at 800- 375- 4577 or fill out a brief info

request online at www.nationalhotline.org about your case.

Support Groups, Organizations & Recovery Programs

Following are a variety of groups, organizations and programs to aid in

addiction recovery. They are listed in no particular order of importance.

Alcoholics Anonymous www.alcoholics-anonymous.org - This is a group

whose primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve

sobriety. Their site has lots of helpful information and a section with local

links for more targeted help in each state of the USA and in Canada.

Street Address:

Alcoholics Anonymous

475 Riverside Drive 11th Floor

New York, N.Y. 10115

Mailing Address:

Alcoholics Anonymous

Grand Central Station

P.O. Box 459 New York, N.Y. 10163Al-Anon & Alateen www.al-anon.alateen.org - This

is the support group for friends and family of alcoholics. Their site, in English

and Spanish, offers support meetings, surveys, literature and more.

Contact them at:

Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.

1600 Corporate Landing Parkway Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617

Tel: (757) 563-1600 Fax: (757) 563-1655

wso@al-anon.org

Gamblers Anonymous

www.gamblersanonymous.org International Service Office

P.O. Box 17173, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 386-8789 - Fax (213) 386-0030

Cocaine Anonymous www.ca.org

Narcotics Anonymous www.na.org

World Service Office in Los Angeles PO Box 9999

Van Nuys, California 91409 USA Telephone (818) 773-9999

Fax (818) 700-0700

National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Service (800)

729-4357. The National Institute on Drug Abuse www.nida.nih.gov - The

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is part of the National Institutes of

Health (NIH), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services. Their site contains prevention, treatment, and other information on

drugs and abuse for researchers, educators, parents and other interested

parties. Subscribe free to their email notification list and keep updated.

Healthy Living, Healthy Choices Tips

Healthier living is a choice. And here are some choice tips towards a

healthier approach to life.

ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS

For help 24 / 7, reach out via the World Wide Web. A variety of chat

boards, list groups, email pals, message boards and other means of

cyber-communications can help link people up for fellowship during their

recovery. And some programs, like 12-steps, offer online meetings for those

unable to attend in person. Used in a safe and sensible manner, these online

communication systems can offer healing interaction among fellow addiction

fighters.

Here are some general guidelines to follow for safe, healthy and

effective communications. First, depending upon the means of

communication, most generally offer the user to key or type in comments,

questions, share ideas, ask for help, cry on cyber-shoulders, etc. pretty

much instantly. And those places with archived posts allow for browsing and

in-depth reading for those wanting to learn more on their own. Take time to

look around and learn the system and setup. Ask the moderator or person in

charge of the site (usually listed on the Contact Us page) for help.

Second, when typing responses, do not use all capital letters. That

means shouting to some people and they may take offense.

And third, be leery of sharing images. They can be altered and re-used

by anyone. Scenic shots might be fine to share, like of recovery places to

visit (public parks, scenic drives, etc.) However, think twice before sharing

family photos online with strangers. Ask permission if others are in the

shots, too, before sharing. If you don’t have their permission, don’t share - -

general rule of thumb.

Online Safety Tips

Don’t disclose personal information or anything that makes you

uncomfortable. Many people feel they have the right to ask anything and

plunge right on in. Ignore them, use your delete button or simply say that

you are not comfortable discussing “that” right now.

Try not to be rude, even if the other inquiring person is, and try to

keep out of cyber-fights. If you need help, seek out the moderator or

webmaster (usually linked on the bottom of the website pages.) If all else

fails, move on to another forum, message board or other cyber-location, and

leave that one alone for awhile. If and when things calm down, you can

always revisit, see how things are and try again.

Don’t lie. Part of recovery is facing denial and no more lies. So if you

are not comfortable telling the truth, stop. Don’t lie, just stop. Return to

healing and recovery resources that you ARE comfortable with and don’t

harm yourself. Realize that all kinds of people of all ages jump on the

Internet, many healthy, but many unhealthy. So not every place is a healthy

environment for you at all times. Nothing personal, it’s just life. Period. And

it’s not your fault; there’s nothing you can do. Instead, seek healthier

recovery activities and keep healing!

Avoid topics that can trigger bad episodes, especially those that could

possibly mean returning to past addiction –related issues. Here’s a visual

way to explain this, as shared at some recovery 12-step meetings:

----------------------------------------------------------------

One of Life’s Paths

A man walks down the sidewalk and falls into a hole. He picks himself

up, dusts himself off, climbs out of the hole and moves on.

Next time this same man walks down that same sidewalk, he sees the

hole up ahead and decides to go around it. However, just as he skirts the

edge of the hole, he accidentally falls in again. As before, he picks himself

up, dusts himself off, climbs out of the hole and moves on.

A third time going down the same sidewalk, this same man walks a

little farther away from the hole, trying to by-pass it. However, he trips over

a rock in the path and falls in again anyway. And as before, he picks himself

up, dusts himself off, climbs out of the hole and moves on.

The forth time - - the same man chooses a DIFFERENT sidewalk and

enjoys his walk. The hole isn’t there; he doesn’t fall; there’s no need to

climb out. Success!

Moral of the story: choose your paths wisely!

----------------------------------------------------------------

MORE HEALTHY LIVING DAY-TO-DAY TIPS

Good Habits – Bad habits took time to develop; so do good ones. Take it a

day at a time and focus on replacing the bad ones with good ones. Jot your

progress down in a private journal. Reward your good days and good times

with stickers, colored marker smiles, silly color-pencil sketches, etc. And

stick with it! Remember “slow and steady wins the race,” not racing through

things like the tortoise!

Be Your Best Friend - Forgive yourself and be a friend to yourself. No one is

perfect. Be aware of your inner feelings and take care to find healthy outlets

for yourself. For example, find healthy ways to express anger (yes, it’s OK to

be angry sometimes!) and healthy outlets for fun (around healthy people

and places). Parent yourself by adopting better grooming habits, eating

healthier and getting plenty of rest. And have your support network and

healthcare professionals on your team help you learn how to handle stress

and anything that triggers old addictive behaviors and ways to pop up. Jot

down notes for reference, if necessary, but bring them out as soon as you

can and face them so that you can overcome them with healthier

alternatives. Messed up in the meantime? Forgive yourself and move on.

Don’t dwell on the negative. Instead, embrace the positive and your new

network, support team and resources.

Stop and Smell the Roses – Life does have a lot to offer. And much is

forgotten during stages of addiction. Keep an ongoing list or fun, neat things

you’d like to do and USE it. For some ideas refer to the five senses; sight,

taste, touch, smell, sound. For example your list can include a walk in the

park, collecting leaves, a swim at a local hotel or YMCA, sitting on a porch

swing with a friend, singing your favorite songs, whistling your favorite

tunes, enjoying a warm bubble bath, buying some fresh flowers, lighting a

scented candle, eating your favorite healthy foods, preparing a fun snack

and sharing it with a friend, playing a board game and walking the dog.

When you’re bored, anxious, or just need a break, grab your list and choose

an item to do or plan.

Self-Improvement – Often addiction problems get started and continue

because of lack of self-esteem. So reach out and continue your education,

either formally or informally. Read motivational materials, listen to self-help

tapes, watch inspiring movies, videos and DVDs. Learn goal setting, money

handling, business skills, time management skills and more through library

books, local workshops and online opportunities. Take charge of your life

and be responsible. With learning opportunities available from free to all

variety of budget ranges, the time for excuses is over!

Time-Out – This does not refer to the “time out” punishment, like sending a

child to stand in the corner at a daycare facility. This is a time-out for

yourself and allowing “bad” stress to take its course. In reality not

everything is perfect. And that’s OK. There is no need to get high, drunk or

escape in any other unhealthy way every time things aren’t perfect.

Acceptance is OK. In other words, it’s OK to feel angry, sad, unhappy or

other not so positive feelings sometimes. That’s natural and part of life.

However, instead of turning to negative addictive behaviors, get with your

support team ahead of time and plan pro-active strategies for handling these

sometimes-difficult issues. For example with anger, punch a pillow. Shed

some tears when you’re sad. Take a time-out break and rest during heavier

issues. Relax with some herbal tea. Tell yourself everything will be OK. And

enjoy some relaxing music.

Then before you know it, the sun will come back up, and everything will be

OK again. As they say, there is a season for everything. Life is a process and

each of us has to take the good with the bad and make that proverbial

lemonade out of lemons. “Bad” times may get you down for a while, but turn

them around as quickly as you can and reach out for healthier “good”

behaviors.

Overcoming Addiction: Rewards & Resources

There is an interesting relationship between addictive behavior and

reward systems. Many people focus on addictions as a way to escape reality,

rewarding themselves with false happiness like highs or drunken binges and

gambling sprees that pull them way down over time.

However when these unhealthy rewards are replaced with healthier

ones during recovery and healing, things can turn around. For example,

saving a little money for a special trip can be rewarding. No need to gamble

or get high; just enjoy swimming, shopping, skiing, and other fun activities

instead.

But problems arise, like learning how much to save and where to go,

how to get there, etc. And thus planning can be overwhelming and stressful.

To help addicts and those with tendencies toward addictive behaviors

learn how to make and put a positive reward system into place, the first step

is grabbing hold of reality and figuring out what WOULD be rewarding.

Reward yourself - with healthy rewards - along the way to success.

That’s the goal!

1. Begin by keeping a notebook or journal listing rewards you would

like to have. Start with something you think is totally unobtainable if you

like. But start somewhere. And write down your thoughts so that you’ll be

accountable and take responsibility for yourself and your actions and

behaviors.

No one has to see this rewards notebook or journal but you. So feel

free to use misspellings, bad grammar, doodles, magic markers,

highlighters, clipped magazine pictures of what you want, etc. Be creative;

make it colorful. It’s for YOU.

For example, your notebook could contain a list with some items like

these that you think might be great: traveling, having lots of friends, being a

part of a group, wearing designer clothes, having a new car, running your

own business. Maybe you’d like to work part time, yet earn full time pay.

Maybe you’d like to adopt children, join the Peace Corps, build your own

boat or house. Dare to dream and live, jotting down ideas.

2. Then as time allows, research your ideas and find out what it would

take to put them into action and make them reality. Do you need more

money? More education? A scheduled time for a trip? A sewing machine to

design clothes? Whatever it is that you’ll need, write it down.

Don’t know what you’ll need? Can’t figure out quite how to plan it all

or get where you want? Use resources.

3. Seek help – ask trusted friends, write your congressman, check with

your neighbor, move on to your net item and skip an unknown for now. Ask

others at our 12-step meeting, research current trends in magazines and

newspapers, ask the librarian for help and check via your favorite search

engines. The goal is to reach out with your resources. No need to go it

alone!

4. Then make it so, as they say on the television show Star Trek.

Reach for the stars, your stars. Make time and plan your rewards one at a

time. Have fun and enjoy life while you’re living it in a healthier, real way,

with real friends and real vacations. Show off your one new suit of clothes

that you worked for and saved for while paying all your other regular bills in

the meantime.

5. Give back and help others plan their own rewards, too. That’s a

reward in itself! Encourage your support team, your family, your friends,

your co-workers, your neighbors and your healthcare team. Helping each

other in life can be very rewarding. Don’t miss out on non-monetary

rewards!

Rewards and Resources

Here are some places to turn to for overcoming addiction with rewards

and resources. Enjoy fellowship with others whoa re also looking for rewards

to help motivate them through the recovery and healing process. Be a

friend; make a friend.

Addiction Treatment Forum www.atforum.com - this offers more than a

forum for communicating with others. There is a FAQs section for learning

more about addiction issues, news with updates section and archives, a

resource section with pdf reports on a variety of addiction-related topics, a

calendar of industry events and a guide to other online resource links.

National Mental Health Association www.nmha.org - This is one of the oldest

and largest nonprofit organizations that addresses all aspects of mental

health and mental illness, issues surrounding addictive disorders. They have

over 340 affiliates nationwide and focus on improving mental health via

education, advocacy, service and research. For additional help, contact them

at 2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22311. Phone

(703) 684-7722, fax (703) 684-5968. Mental Health Resource Center

(800)969-NMHA. TTY Line (800)433-5959.

In summary, since Addictive Disorders are such an important part of

everyday life, and with a variety of solutions and services available to help

with treatment and coping, hopefully you can learn more about Overcoming

Addictions and share this with others. Knowledge is a key to success.